Leonard Bernstein presents 7-year-old Yo-Yo Ma's high-profile debut for President John F. Kennedy

The New York Times reported that on November 29, 1962, a benefit concert called "The American Pageant of the Arts" was to be held with "a cast of 100, including President and Mrs. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Leonard Bernstein (as master of ceremonies), Pablo Casals, Marian Anderson, Van Cliburn, Robert Frost, Fredric March, Benny Goodman, Bob Newhart and a 7-year-old Chinese cellist called Yo-yo Ma, who was brought to the program's attention by Casals."
As biographer Jim Whiting noted, "the article was noteworthy in two respects. First, it included Yo-Yo's name in the same sentence as those of two U.S. presidents and eight world-famous performers and writers. Second, Yo-Yo had been identified in a major newspaper for the first time. It would hardly be the last. In the years since then, the New York Times alone has written about him more than 1,000 times."

[@MrBuniekPolaczek]

I love how Lenny strays away from words like 'kid', 'child' or 'boy' here. He wants him treated like an actual musician, not just a gimmick

[@luclafor]

But he was a kid - and needed much more practice to be the incredible cellist he is now...

[@jakubkazimierz]

ma pan u nas koszulke z napisem /jestem baptystą ogo/

[@woomy8971]

1:09 he calls him a boy

[@MrBuniekPolaczek]

@@jakubkazimierz nie rób sobie jaj z pogrzebu, dobrze?

[@jakubkazimierz]

@@MrBuniekPolaczek czesław. nie męcz.

[@donschwellenbach5461]

Yo Cheng Ma ,his sister who is playing here, was our pediatric intern and resident and you should have seen her play the violin. They are just very gifted people. God bless them

[@alphabetacanton]

Really? I know that she also ran a Children's Orchestra.

[@ericness5402]

+alphabetacanton She still runs it, actually.

[@lynettehurkmans9276]

Don Schwellenbach X

[@twinicebear775]

*Yeou Cheng-Ma I'm in her orchestra society :)

[@miaolianwang6161]

Thank you for writing in, TwinIceBear. Which instrument do you play and where are you located? Im in DC and so glad to hear the Orchestra Society is still active. When we lived in NYC in 90s,the NYTimes ran an article about Yeou Cheng Ma's medical practice, her husband and her Children's orchestra. We have not heard much recently about he, but YoYo himself appeared in DC Nov 29 to a sold-out Cathedral and simulcast to Union Station of his recital of all six Bach Suites, also the favorite of the master Pablo Casals. (It's too bad the above tape didn't include Casals' special performance but we're thankful for it nonetheless). Give all the publicity that the younger brother has garnered,developed as a musician and joy he has offered the world, I could not help but think about the equally talented older sister, who gets virtually no publicity. Perhaps she doesn't need or revel in publicity or the crowds that Yoyo does, but the world also would like to hear about Yeou-cheng's music-making, too. Thanks also to Mr. Schwellenbach for commenting on the posting and what a good physician she is. She is using the healing powers of music-making in her own way. We thank the whole Ma family!! Leonard Bernstein's introduction is also a timeless gem, relevant to this day--can it reach the right ears? @@twinicebear775

[@Dipp182]

I hope this kid kept playing the cello, he seems good at it. Edit: wow almost 600 likes, Mom look at me now, thanks everyone!

[@markkulahti9038]

Yes he did.

[@somelolitas]

😂😂😂

[@Dipp182]

@@markkulahti9038 he did? That is awesome? What does he do now?

[@markkulahti9038]

@@Dipp182 He become Yo Yo ma.

[@Dipp182]

@@markkulahti9038 leave my Ma out of this! Stay Classy...😉

[@drtmuir]

He hadn't started doing the lean-back-eyes-closed thing yet.

[@alphabetacanton]

The "lean-back-eyes-closed" trick is strictly for charming the birds. He had no need for that yet at seven years of age.

[@1joehig]

TV cameras take us to places where we normally would not visit. Looking up an artist's nose is not natural and an invasion of privacy.

[@chrismaxwell1328]

Actually, I've heard that Yo Yo Ma moves his body like that because he has Scoliosis.

[@alphabetacanton]

Chris Maxwell Possibly. He had a serious operation in his twenties because of that.

[@plica06]

+alphabetacanton I wonder did he get scoliosis due to sitting in an unfavourable posture practising the cello for hours and hours from such a young age.

[@EvanDahill]

Amazing to me that JFK, Jackie, Yo Yo Ma, Bernstein, Casals, Van Cliburn, Marian Anderson, Robert Frost, Benny Goodman all intersect for this event. A pretty impressive collection of geniuses and legends.

[@thebleedingjeans]

umm, and Newhart. Don't forget Newhart.

[@v.mollner6911]

Jackie brought "class" to the White House while Jack was busy having sex with anyone/everyone. Mamie slept through eight years in the W.H. while Ike was busy having sex with his mistress (singular).

[@EvanDahill]

You're a real student of history, aren't you?

[@macaw2000]

You've added much to the discussion, v. domo.

[@bhinderbinder]

Yes, the comment was .... fascinating, just fascinating.

[@soundbodycenter]

This is when i am so grateful for the internet- how wonderful to be able to see/hear this!

[@thedativecase9733]

Me too. I just looked this up after seeing a clip of it on the Andrew Marr Show BBC. Yo Yo Ma is a wonderful musician.

[@MrPerfesser]

Yo-Yo is not just the world's greatest cellist. He is a national treasure for his work with children. He teaches, he mentors, he inspires, visiting schools and giving concerts and recitals. He was great friends with Fred Rogers and, like Fred, he dedicates much of his life to America's children.

[@farrind]

I am awestruck. Using no music, up on that huge stage they have such POISE! Brother & sister never miss a note! (And, Bernstein is so young I hardly recognized him!).

[@fukfukccp]

MrPerfesser just like Maestro Bernstein who was a great communicator and lecturer of art and music to the children by making use of public media

[@treich1234]

eclipsed by 2 Cellos

[@quaver1239]

Thank you for telling us this. Wonderful when generosity spreads over entire countries.

[@karenramnath9993]

That’s where I first “met” Yo-yo Ma, on Mr.Roger’s Neighborhood! 😊

[@leszidel4497]

You might listen to how Leonard Bernstein introduced then 7 year old yo yo ma to an audience including President Kennedy. More than a lesson in music, the event makes a universal statement about immigration.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

Bernstein was a fan of the Bronx pop genius Laura Nyro. Yo Yo and Renee Fleming perform the Nyro song 'New York Tendaberry'(1969) from the 2014 Nyro tribute LP by jazzman Billy Childs - the track won a Grammy. Worth checking out to see a jazzman directing classical artists on an avant garde pop song!

[@julian65886]

Talented people like These kids are an asset to any nation. They enrich America, but not all immigrants are like Yo Yo.

[@markleyp03]

@t. intelectuel art is always political. To assert otherwise is to say that artists are not political people, which is a ridiculous standard. Bruch's kol nidre is a beautiful piece, but it is of course also a glowing support of ashkenazi Jews. Bernstein was a gay very liberal man, and you dont think that he was purposefully making a political statement? Also, let's ignore that this was literally at the White House, y'know a political place

[@mag-wp6yt]

The pure realm of art has nothing to do with politics. However, it can become corrupted by the wretchedness of politics, like any noble endeavour can. True art communicates the mysteries of nature.....once it starts to communicate a political idea you can be sure it has fallen into the wrong hands.

[@mariehuynh]

@t. intelectuel There has always been political art.

[@letsif]

He's improved since then.

[@wayne5824]

well naaaaaaaa

[@alphabetacanton]

Ha ha, I do hope so since he is 61 years old now!

[@wayne5824]

Init

[@jchmel9719]

lol I couldn't tell (sarcasm)

[@jonathanhuang88]

Ha

[@D84D]

His father was a violinist and musicologist from China's Shanghai region. He specialized in composition and was widely respected for his talent as a music teacher. Ma's mother was a mezzo-soprano from Hong Kong. Ma's sister, older by four years, played the violin before obtaining a medical degree and becoming a pediatrician.

[@janismeyers3876]

Dave All high achievers.

[@rampartrod]

what a wondeful family

[@Michaelxd2010]

His father was from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, not Shanghai

[@waanaabe-4795]

And people STILL argue about genetics...

[@helloyouthere8133]

@@_blank-_ For some it is... Someone had to build a piano at one point

[@gabbyc3270]

You guys don't understand, he MEMORIZED this at age 7. Normal 7 year olds can't even remember what they ate for lunch. Edit: bad comparison, I should have compared it to an average 5th grade orchestra (10 year olds) who can barely count in 4/4. I am a violin major in college and I can assure you that it is not easy to memorize a piece this young. I can barely play a piece using muscle memory now because it's more difficult to get the intonation right on a string instrument. Even if you are a very skilled player, it can be very difficult if you don't train yourself to memorize from the early stages of playing.

[@2headedtasman200]

Dude. I’m 26, work in the stock market, and I pretty regularly forget what I had for lunch.

[@Andy-bh8hw]

GabulousTV If you ever played an instrument, you’d know that it’s not difficult remembering a piece.

[@yoursemexpert]

I'm 24. I can't even remember what I said an hour ago.

[@KarMa-lx6oq]

Not to discredit his brilliancy, but memorizing musical works at this legth are not very difficult if you know how the song/piece already sounds. Sorta like how u can memorise a whole song in ur head pretty simply.

[@alfredofettuccine2397]

Memorizing music is actually a lot easier than it seems... but okay

[@DanYHKim2]

It makes me weep to see how Bernstein articulates a vision of open internationalism and welcome in this nation, which has now become so closed. Yo-Yo Ma played before President Kennedy at 7, and also played for President Obama's inauguration. What a life for him!

[@mjcard]

Daniel Kim The spirit of internationalism is not ended. It is only at a pause until the reality of certain international actors stop wanting to destroy the west is realized and dealt with. When these forces are resolved, removed, dissolved, internationalism will be welcomed once again.

[@alphabetacanton]

Well put!

[@StuartPeel]

... and don't forget that he also played for President Bartlett!

[@kenkingsflyingmachines2382]

Bernstein truly articulates a vision of America that no one remembers. A Republican President, a Democratic President, and a Chinese immigrant find common ground in a love of music; political borders disappear.

[@ASadderButWiserMan]

That was a great episode - about Josh's PTSD. But they cut the Bach First Cello Suite prelude, which I found very disturbing.

[@Thechinkills]

Good to know that I'm only slightly better at age 18 than yo-yo ma at age 7

[@cocacolachy]

shooctagon I doubt I'm even better lol

[@blairthompson2862]

H1b1

[@claudiamiller7730]

When I was a wee girl growing up on the south side of Chicago, I was utterly in love with Leonard Bernstein and waited breathlessly for each of his “Concerts for Young People” to air on TV. That voice! He really put an appreciation of classical music in my heart, right next to The Beatles, Jazz and Funk...thanks, Lenny!!

[@centaureg]

This document is almost equally as interesting for Bernstein's introduction of the Mas as it is for their performance. Leonard Bernstein was one of this country's true national treasures. He was brilliantly intelligent and as fine an interpreter as a composer. What is most arresting here is contrasting his words with what goes for speech out of DC now. Bernstein speaks of embracing differences not foolishly spouting division. Until recently it seemed mankind was ever bent on moving forward technically, in science and in the arts as well. What would a sensitive and worldly man of his time like Bernstein make of this time and how rapidly backward it moves? Thank goodness we still have ambassadors of inclusion and acceptance such as the remarkable Yo-Yo Ma, another national treasure.

[@kennethgray545]

You don't think inviting Kid Rock to perform at the WH has the same cultural impact?

[@auggied6760]

Wow! You really articulate this well. How true. How true.

[@centaureg]

@@auggied6760 Thanks. I was just struck by the incredible differences between a genius and a fool.

[@skagnatti3415]

Well said my good man, well said indeed.

[@eleanoraitken1207]

THIS IS A PEICE OF HISTORY, JUST AWESOME

[@v.mollner6911]

"I" before "e" except after "c" = piece of history

[@mattgasket]

i won't deign to feign ignorance at this statement. No one likes a grammar nazi.

[@tanstaafl2]

The correct term, in 2017, is "alt-write"...

[@freuderickfrankenstein8417]

No one likes misspellers, either. It's about being accurate, not getting something over on another. Why does everyone attempt to deflect their errors back to the person pointing them out?

[@sirurg]

Science? Conscience?

[@rudolphmcneill3333]

A true prodigy. I've had the honor of seeing Mr Ma several times. He's such a gracious and humble person s well as being one of the great cellist of all time.

[@minimaker5600]

I had the pleasure of hearing him play with the Milwaukee Symphony when he was 19. He was a last minute substitute, so last minute that there was no time for a rehearsal. Can you imagine going in "cold" to be a soloist . . . but you can see he was a professional from a very early age . . . wow!

[@nelsonlugo45]

Don't forget the delight on President Ike's face too! Casals was my neighbor in San Juan, Puerto Rico; he was just cool as can be. Though born in Spain, he considered himself Puerto Rican and American. He was the greatest magnet for gifted talent that I have ever witnessed, bar none. Nuff sed.

[@fukfukccp]

Nelson Lugo it must be a blessing to have ever interacted with Pablo Casals

[@oldfogeymusic4248]

I'd say Casals considered himself first and foremost Catalan, and later Puerto Rican and American "by adoption," which is why he didn’t consider himself Spanish - he left, never to return, when Franco came to power and began oppressing the people of Catalonia. Although promoters and record companies inevitably presented him using the Spanish name of "Pablo" Casals, he supposedly preferred to be known by his Catalan name, "Pau" Casals.

[@cooldebt]

What a gracious introduction from a great musician himself. What musical genius we are blessed to hear.

[@markrymanowski719]

Bernstein was a conductor. One of the greatest. Not a musician

[@richardcanedo1614]

@@markrymanowski719 Leonard Bernstein was a conductor, composer (of art, Broadway musical, and jazz music), concert-level pianist, and educator -- and he was brilliant at all of them. How does that NOT make him a musician? (Indeed, the only musical gift he lacked was a singing voice, which was actually pretty awful.) He had personal faults and demons, but if he was not a musician, then no one was ever a musician.

[@muttleycrew]

Winner of the 1962 "cutest thing ever award".

[@jeanie6279]

This video is a treasure! And so is Yo-Yo Ma, of course! His sister is talented also!

[@theodiggers]

Am I the only one that expected adult level Yoyo to come out of this 7 year old?

[@BetterMe981]

+theodiggers Yes.

[@theodiggers]

forcommenting Why though? Legend has it that Mozart was crushing fools at the age of 11

[@BetterMe981]

+theodiggers "Crushing fools?" Such an unintelligent response isn't worth a real response... go find something constructive to do.

[@theodiggers]

forcommenting there is simply no need to wield language like the oppressor. Godspeed kindest of sirs.

[@annahuber1018]

I actually did for some reason 😂😂

[@Illapatayta]

Just realized, before this I'd never heard Leonard Bernstein's voice

[@brianmessemer2973]

Welcome to the special treat that is the voice of Leonard Bernstein. His is the most internationally-influenced, aristocratic, academically informed yet socially suave voice of the mid 20th century. A true renaissance man. He was fluent in French, German, and Italian, and he led orchestras in those countries speaking those languages without hesitation. I believe he was also an accomplished speaker in Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, perhaps fluent in those as well. A profoundly educated man.

[@caseyclausen2627]

Check it his overviews on Beethoven symphonies here on KZbin, or his discussion The Unanswered Question. Really interesting.

[@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co]

Search for his Young People's Concerts here on KZbin. He was an extraordinary educator.

[@professorroundbottom438]

It just feels a little wrong to say of the legendary Yo Yo Ma, "I heard more than one slightly sour note." But at the age of seven! At that age it's impressive that his little fingers were strong and flexible enough to be able to play the cello at all! Well done, little man; the world is grateful for the great man you grew to be! Stick around a good while longer!

[@JellyFlavoredGerman]

There's a large amount of pitch wobble on the tape so I don't think it's fair to judge his intonation when the piano sounds like a wurli.

[@MMijdus]

Leonard Bernstein had an excellent articulation of foreign languages.

[@dewinmoonl]

nah he's way off. source: I am chinese It didn't matter though, his message was so inclusive and welcoming, and embodies america well

[@alphabetacanton]

Thank you for posting this new (well, old,) more complete version of the gala event. Yo Yo was already a consummate performer with "charisma in spades" at seven years old age. Yo Cheng became a Harvard educated doctor besides being a musician. What a joy it is to watch them!

[@goodchessactor]

Big deal! When I was seven I could tie my shoelaces.

[@freemanz4051]

+goodchessactor Took me 'til 15. Bad attitude maybe. Rebuilding cars and computers was less trouble, really.

[@janetgyford]

And useful, so don't run yourselves down !

[@goodchessactor]

***** Are you still hiding?

[@astn7759]

goodchessactor when I was 17 I could ride my bike with no training wheels >:)

[@1jediwitch]

goodchessactor *When I was 7, I played acoustic & electric guitar, & at age 9, classical violin.*

[@cezarymarek4556]

Was this in the same USA that we have today ? Mind boggles ...

[@seldonwright4345]

Nope. An earlier time and simpler

[@alessandromalinverno7097]

seldon wright i know, a simpler and earlier time when Kennedy planned the invasion into Vietnam and brought the world to the brink of destruction because he escalated with the ussr by placing nuclear arms in nearby turkey. Also remember that before Kennedy, Eisenhower overthrew democratically elected governments in iran replacing it with a dictator destabilising that country for decades and Guatemala that is still suffering from that. After Kennedy with Johnson, he expanded the Vietnam war and 2 million civilians were killed not to forget when civilian villages were bombed into submission with napalm. The crimes continue to this day. It was only considered a “ simple time “ because everything was going well in the west. Now that its no longer the case we can see it better. And thats the best indirect positive of trump. He’s so incompetent that he lifts the veil over the American empire since its foundation.

[@cezarymarek4556]

@@alessandromalinverno7097 Well noted, still it somehow feels that people were more civilized then...

[@alessandromalinverno7097]

Cezary Marek Depends where u look. Governments were not. And they make like altering decisions hence my argument that its wasn’t a simpler time. I would say that ppl were less entitled as whole and didnt have such short attention spans as now. But all thats a by product of the consumer industry designed to keep us busy buying shit we dont need when the powerful interests play around.

[@NewYouTubeHandle1]

@@cezarymarek4556 As a legal immigrant to the US: kindly fuck off. This country is a beacon of hope and opportunity to those immigrants who have the basic decency to come here LEGALLY.

[@quaver1239]

Am dizzy with what I’ve just been privileged to watch. Bernstein and the Ma children bring tears to one’s eyes. Thank you a thousand times.

[@lindamurrell2282]

Amazing how much time and practice the young YoYo Ma had to have logged by age 7 to perform at that extraordinary level.

[@edukid1984]

No amount of time and practice can substitute for a lack of prodigious talent to play at this level aged 7. That being said, highly talented people usually only succeed with extraordinary effort to practice their craft to the best possible.

[@Ari-vk1lx]

As an African-American this makes me so happy. Yo Yo and his sus are American treasures. 7 and playing at this level. Most kids at this age are just watching cartoons. Bless you Yo!

[@MrTomafalcon]

Why does it matter that you're black

[@Ari-vk1lx]

Growing up in a medium sized town I took the city bus to rehearsals with the local youth orchestra. I was principal flutist. I was told by a lot of the other players the reason why i got this position was because of my race. I would take the city bus to concerts and rehearsals for all four years of high school whilst looking at the players from the suburbs be picked up by their parents and told, "great job". I never had that. Unfortunately, I don't know if you've noticed but the majority of orchestral musicians are white. When you are a kid and see this, it is a very powerful deterrent. At least for me it was. I stopped playing for years because i never saw anyone that looked like me or even different from what was displayed in the majority of orchestras. I never had anyone show me that there were or even could be a person of color who could make it. Now, over 20 years later I wish i saw this. I was always told classical music wasn't a place for people of color in this regard. As the years went by, I saw this wasn't true. I see more and more musicians of color. Please. Do not troll my post. I was simply stating my experience. Thank you

[@Ari-vk1lx]

Not going to do this. Just telling you my feelings. I'm sorry you do not understand. Have a good one

[@tennotes]

It makes me sad that this happened to you. I wish you could have had someone to inspire you to continue playing. Music is colorblind and people all over the world can speak its language. I don't know how old you are, but I know of many adults who began playing instruments again when they were adults. Please give it another try. There are community music groups which you might join. You must have been quite good or you wouldn't have had that position in orchestra. You can bet it wasn't because of your race. If you were talented then, you STILL ARE. Please consider playing again. For what it is worth, I am white and a musician. I am gong to pester you to play again!! Go for it. What a joy it would be. .

[@tennotes]

I meant this for Antwan. Sorry.

[@PickledShark]

16 people still think their kids are special

[@seleneoros9251]

At this moment now 140

[@khoocheepeng]

Keith Thorne 170 special kids now !

[@ee8546]

Currently 200 salty parents.

[@lucastaneda7763]

Who?

[@SEACRAB132]

I loved how Bernstein made a strong point that Puerto Rico was part of the United States and Puerto Ricans are US citizens.

[@serenitysure4689]

What a treasure to behold this recording. In spite of the sound quality, I can hear the smooth phrasing, the emotion, and the individualness in his playing. Unlike violin and piano, cello is very difficult for young children because greater muscle and sinew strength in arms and legs are required. What impresses me about this performance are the artistic articulation and artistic confidence already at display at such a young age.

[@caitlingee642]

it’d be cool to see yo yo ma’s reaction to this now

[@Savantskd]

Awesomeness! In 2020, this is the America I’ll always love and know!

[@peterh1875]

Listening to Mr. Bernstein's intro and thinking what a difference in attitude to the creature currently in the White House. How things have changed.

[@claribethdavis9614]

PeterH What difference? Trump actually has a more diverse cabinet than Obama. Has a Jewish advisor, hires many women, Chinese, Hispanics...He doesn’t want tons of illegals here-neither do most people. Watch what he does not what he says...impossible for leftists who live off their feelings.

[@muttleycrew]

Claribeth Davis what he's doing now is to try to subvert democracy and declare himself winner of an election he lost. And there is no way his cabinet is more diverse than was Obama's unless by 'diverse' you mean he keeps firing his own appointments in order to appoint bootlicking sycophants.

[@Lights_Darks]

really loved seeing President Eisenhower smile and his enjoyment of Yo-Yo Ma's performance.

[@Renal06]

Featuring Yeou-Cheng Ma, pretty impressive in her own right.

[@dainhuston]

Dang at age 7 he's got his Left hand fingers splayed out like a 80's guitar shred master. Cool I never new till now his sister plays piano.

[@annefon2]

A marvelous portrait of the artist as a young man. THANK YOU!

[@gailhill1599]

Spectacular! I would have never imagined such footage existed!

[@worstever]

Wow Berstein pronounced "Ma" perfectly!

[@davidherz9968]

who's Berstein?

[@TGMGame]

David Herz I don’t know. I know Bernstein. Not berstein

[@user-ty8me4hm1w]

David Herz you can't figure it out from context bud?

[@chima6291]

Come on. Ma is easy to pronounce if you don’t take tones into consideration. Perfect pronunciation of his surname should go with the third tone, at least in Mandarin Chinese.

[@pauljordan4452]

@@chima6291 Falling and rising intonation?

[@pianodave]

His parents lied about his age (common practice-happened to Mozart and Beethoven, too). Yo-yo was actually 27.

[@carlosio5]

LOL!

[@xz9376]

So lovely and moving. Bernstein was such an outstanding individual.

[@gigiw.7650]

My mother knew Pablo Casals, who also played in this performance. RIP mom, Mr. Casals. 😢

[@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879]

Pablo Casals was Cuban contact between Castro Oswald and CIA. Desi arnaz knew there was a conspiracy

[@chessiepique9532]

As I started cello lessons at age 50 ... I think I'll go drink poison now. (Kidding.) This is freaking adorable. Thumbs up to S. Prokofiev, too -- one of my favorite composers.

[@Rachellaq]

Chessie Pique i just started 8 months ago and I am in my 40s. I will join you : l

[@najat5779]

Fellow cello... player/diehard lover. As one who had both ability & goals to attend Juilliard until family intervened and quashed that particular part of my life I totally get you on the poison-drinking thing lol. I at least had the profound satisfaction and unexpected joy of being blessed with a musician child (who you may well believe I wholeheartedly encouraged and continue to, to the present). Life goes round in funny ways... Keep playing, Chessie, Rachel & Glenn. Never let outside factors steal your joy.

[@negomistar3874]

I started over 8 years ago, when I was 6.

[@thewaterwolfstudios7755]

haha, i started a couple years ago (then age 36) and have the same feeling every time I watch children play better than I expect I ever will in my life hahaha. This video sums it up perfectly haha: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3zVaIGXj6qEhcU

[@sarcasticallyrearranged]

I joined the orchestra and played the cello when I was about 12. I wasn't able to practice at home very much or over the summer and I gave it up after the next year. I wish I had tried harder and understood that it's important to practice in order to be a decent player. Same with the piano.I hope that two years later you're still playing!

[@PhillyFrank1]

The internationalism and humanity and appreciation of cultural creation that is so missing from Trumpism in America today. We need to bring it back.

[@meiyeelee800]

Not that easy .

[@CatSueC]

We will. Tomorrow!!!

[@jkircher314]

He's so adorable and dignified! Thanks for this wonderful archive.

[@pentacle9783]

He could possibly make a living with that when he grows up, I don't know, maybe..

[@leahjordana9177]

I am so glad that someone captured this and put it on here.

[@CooManTunes]

Look at Yo-Yo Ma, all young and tiny, like his cello. :') To see where he is now should be truly inspiring for ANY musician.

[@michelrenaud3431]

2 thoughts: 1. where is Leonard Bernstein when we him him? Can a voice elevates itself at this time above the noise of hatred and division, and speak with such eloquence and truth about our humanity? 2. Yo Yo Ma practices to become who he became, this makes it clear :-)

[@dojokonojo]

I never realized he was that old. This just blew my mind.

[@eyescandeceive]

i went to college with him. he was two years ahead of me, a junior when I was a freshman, and he was already internationally famous enough that the great cello master Rostropovich came and taught a master class just for him (there were other people in the class, but everyone knew Yo Yo Ma was the real reason for the event)

[@traces2807]

The artistry at such a young age is wonderful. I'm mostly familiar with Yo Yo Ma's playing and anything of Bach he plays just sends me to another plane of existence :) I know they both have 'gifts' but have also devoted hours and hours of practice and hard work to their craft. Thank you for the gift of music. ♡

[@batblurr13]

He was seven. HE WAS SEVEN.

[@katherandefy]

I was gonna click like but then I realized it would ruin the trio of 7s you got going on here.

[@SajalPradhan]

Yeah i thought he was always 7ty

[@cindyandjoey]

Did anyone else notice that this was back in the day when people still remembered how to pronounce the "Puerto" in Puerto Rico correctly? Tired of hearing U.S. leaders of all stripes talking about "Porto" Rico!

[@Tracymmo]

That's the correct pronunciation in English. You'd roll your eyes at me if I pronounced every Francophone country's name in French. And you probably don't say Suomi, Hellas or Magyar.

[@daisywares1]

His posture...even at 7 years old.

[@邓梓薇]

Bernstein is so amazingly elegant and graceful wow just notice how he speaks total an educated man😋

[@CCL13CN]

That was the age of United State that I really admire. I can feel truthful and sincere welcome to these two immigrants and deep respect towards them.

[@jduff59]

7-year old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his older sister Maria Anna, who was at a similar age, played for Kings and Queens. Yo Yo and Sis are playing for the closest thing we had to a King and Queen - JFK and Jackie. It was the first thought that came into my head. The music is sublime, and having Casals and Bernstein vouch for you isn't all too bad. Thank you so much for posting this fine show!

[@skakdosmer]

Good to hear that although remarkably good, at seven he still had a lot to learn.

[@33uptempo]

Thank you so much for posting this important piece of history, both musically and otherwise. So nice to hear intelligent words, and to listen to gifted musicians.

[@maxmin2031]

this clip is so inspiring that it makes us understand that every exceptional people start from somewhere.

[@nfnairobi]

Very nice. I wonder what ever happened to him.

[@alvinhasal2391]

+nfnairobi still playing. One time, He even forgot a Stradivarius made Cello in a taxi lol

[@jenniferjiang5387]

+nfnairobi en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yo-Yo_Ma

[@tannchitra]

He is now listed in the music history :)

[@TEREDEPUNTACARRETAS]

+sania zahrani and enjoying more than ever. :)

[@Vamooska]

in the butt-tocks

[@ArleneHJ]

Good G-d Almighty. The Ma family, what child prodigies. Amazing!!!

[@TheSharoneus]

He's a living illustration of "practice makes perfect." I wonder what he thinks when he sees this.

[@fflambeauutube]

Bernstein looks so smashing in this video. He was amazing!

[@agnusneuman3577]

Baby you are the only thing you know

[@khoocheepeng]

Ronnie Moore his courage was amazing

[@bruce1533]

Yes, Bernstein was a very good looking man. He had a wife and children. He also had many male lovers. His children grew up accepting their father as a lover of many people. One of his most famous male lovers was the great Aaron Copland.

[@Dorothea1981]

VERY IMPORTAN archive music! Thank you!

[@LHS1941]

This is particularly appropriate now in 2017. Thank you!

[@swingmanic]

He hasn't aged a bit but his bank account has grown with his age!

[@uow513]

He is my hero, my source of inspiration. I play his works while driving Uber.

[@邓梓薇]

I play his work when i am in the field the suns pretty hot here in south china

[@drpibisback7680]

At 7 years old I probably couldn't hold a cello, let alone play a properly intonated note. Hell, I couldn't do that second one right now at 19. I haven't even mastered playing somewhat rhythmically complex melodic lines on guitar. Watching a 7-year-old be this good at an instrument is staggering.

[@geraldbarkan1166]

This entire presentation, particularly the comments by Mr. Bernstein should be required viewing for our current President. Perhaps he will gain some appreciation of the contribution immigrants to our country.

[@JimC]

What makes you think Trump is not as welcoming as Bernstein was to "foreign artists, scientists, and thinkers" who want to become citizens?

[@patriciastevens5329]

Loli

[@Beauregard9]

@@JimC you're kidding, right?

[@JimC]

@@Beauregard9 Can't you answer my question? What world-class artist, scientist or thinker has Trump prevented from coming to the USA? Please be specific.

[@Beauregard9]

@@JimC thanks for asking. I was speaking about the fact that Mr. Trump is, in general, not welcoming to immigrants to this country at all, unless, as he has indicated, they would come from "countries like Sweden or Norway," instead of, again in his words, the "s***hole countries like Africa." This man has tried to destroy our entire history of immigration, cooperation, and acceptance of other races, creeds, colors, etc. Under his plan, he would never find out if there were artists, scientists, and thinkers who wanted to come here, if they happened to be Muslim, Spanish, Mexican, African... Well, I don't need to go on. You can see the other comments on this site to know what people think of Mr. Trump's views.

[@shaunatate]

Anyone knows where I can find the Johnny Carson version. In it, Isaac Stern introduced both brother and sister when they were kids.

[@JohnAckerman93]

Just amazing how a 7 year old cellist became a world renowned musician that he is today. As they say, if you put your mind towards something, you can achieve just about anything

[@vladloki9046]

So Amazing How Is The Greatest Celloist Alive.

[@YokoshimaOfficial]

I'm watching a wholesome video. Classic time, classic music, class...

[@eileendelaney7297]

I saw Yo Yo Ma play the cello at Tanglewood, several years ago. To watch him play at such a young age, he was a boy genius, just as his older sister is a young girl genius. Their parents must be so proud of them.

[@balindadesantis9047]

This is so wonderful to see. I loved everything about it.

[@augsburg60]

Going to take my daughter to see him next week in San Antonio. I can’t wait. Arguably the best musician on this planet

[@karaamundson3964]

Love this. Everyone begins somewhere... But what about Yu Cheng?

[@dobermanpac1064]

2020... he’s better and loves Big Macs

[@carabennett2169]

His sister is pretty good too!

[@unamiqueta]

I know its a coronsensitivity thing... but the intro brought tears to my eyes. And the music in such a poor quality recording continues to do so. Catharsis.

[@youzialex1587]

Thank you very much for uploading this video! It shows us how we make us! What I will say! 这段影片告诉我们，我们是我们是如何来的，我们之所以是今天的我们。我们要警惕：历史正在倒退！Be careful: the history is going backwards!

[@victoriaballard7354]

It is so apparent how much America has changed in attitudes since 1962, particularly about immigrants.

[@thermayoung9316]

Thank you for a beautiful and inspiring performance. Mr. Biden gets my vote and my best wishes.

[@joannabratton5941]

I love the sound he gets from his Baby cello!

[@AnnoraEksteen]

Listen Mr Trump. The arts flourish in America. And always will. In spite of

[@njvalueinvestor]

Was Yoyo Ma really six? I thought he emerged from the womb playing cello 30ish

[@muttleycrew]

I believe he emerged from the womb playing Bach

[@nehakiran525]

2015: 2016: 2017: 2018: 2018: hey check this prodigy who played fro JFK

[@oliviaaus1086]

Not just any prodigy!!

[@samwisegamgee1243]

This is incredibly historic footage!! How cool!

[@NancyR3454]

Love the quote from WestSide Story about Puerto Rico. Did ya hear that, Mr. Trump? Naw, didn’t think so.

[@goldenmeerkat2166]

Who else was struggling with hot cross buns at his age?

[@Operafreak9]

Ha!

[@AndresMartinez-rg5ky]

Jajaja

[@muttleycrew]

At age 7 i could use a spork and most of the food wound up in my mouth. My mother was so proud of me for that.

[@amywang4442]

A culture simulation, and a culture of acceptance, tolerance, and encouragement. It takes a small step to include the 'different' people who outperform our 'own'. How many of those guests were thinking if and only if their own 7 years old grandson, son, or daughters would do the same, then their own can also perform in front of the president. I felt bad for the little timid Yoyo because he was surrounded by all the whites, though smiling at him for his great talent. If there'd be one or few Asian (not really necessary Chinese) in the audience then maybe it could be an event which really celebrated the 'differences'. Step 1: to be included in the mainstream society, an immigrant has to 'outperform' (try harder) in order to be seen. Step 2: to be approved in the 'melting pot' society, an immigrant has to 'downplay' his desire to avoid being seen as a threat Step 3: to be recognized by the whole, an immigrant has to be humble enough to be accepted/approved, included, because no free lunch shall be given without lowering his rewards for the extra miles he must walk. Running as an American to any law abiding citizen should only be divided by the intention, not by the skin, race, nor social status. How many years in the past that Yoyo Ma wasn't as at 'just another Chinese', 'His parents might have beaten their children to perform.", "Chinese is only good in math, playing musical instruments, but nothing else." How many? I don't know. But, the good part about higher standard for the immigrants to compete in the society only strengthens their desire to compete. Maybe one day if the society really treats and demands nothing more or less from the immigrants, that day would make the immigrants less productive and become the real American out to be.

[@danpro4519]

One time, I played Chop Sticks when I was seven........

[@brandoncornelius16]

You know his parents were so close to naming him yo ma ma

[@faith328]

But his name isn't in English though lmao

[@chima6291]

Ma is his given name, so no, he can’t be given a name of yo ma ma. If you have any doubt, check my user name

[@PeteZhaoCA]

@@chima6291 nah bro, Ma马 is his family name. Yo-yo 友友is his given name.

[@earthangel8730]

That's funny

[@songbanana8]

@@chima6291 then he and his sister would have the same name... Ma is the family name and they switched the order for Americans to understand.

[@angelchavez708]

I see a great future on this kid :)

[@ostensibly531]

From this to the Trump era... smh. If I’m a talented immigrant, I ain’t helping Trump build America.